Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 10 ounce can Ro-Tel, undrained
- 1 cup broth (chicken or beef)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
Seasoning and Pasta
- 1 1 ounce package taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 cup elbow noodles (Barilla gluten free elbows recommended)
Dairy
- 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey or beef until browned and fully cooked. Once done, drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add the Tomatoes and Liquids: To the skillet, add the undrained can of Ro-Tel tomatoes, broth, milk, tomato sauce, and the taco seasoning packet. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. This helps blend the flavors and prepare the liquid base for cooking the noodles.
- Cook the Noodles: Stir in the elbow noodles, then lower the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed much of the liquid.
- Finish with Cheese: Once the noodles are fully cooked, remove the cover and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot for a rich and zesty comfort meal.
Notes
- Use gluten-free elbow noodles if you need a gluten-free option.
- Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef for a healthier version.
- For extra spice, consider adding chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Low-fat milk can be substituted to reduce calories but may affect creaminess slightly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
